Welcome to the Maryland Resource Parent Association!
Providing Support to Maryland's Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents Get In TouchGet Involved
New Executive Director, Stefany Lang, has been chosen to lead the Maryland Resource Parents Association.
Stefany Lang has been selected as the new executive director of the Maryland Resource Parents Association (MRPA), which represents foster and kinship parents throughout the state.
Lang and her husband, Chris, are active foster parents in Calvert County, where they have fostered 11 children since they became foster parents in 2013. Lang is also president of the Calvert County Foster Parent Association and a co-facilitator of the county’s training for new foster parents (called PRIDE). There, she has instituted monthly support group meetings and foster family events, as well as serving as a resource for the questions and concerns for local foster parents.
As MRPA executive director, Lang hopes to bring that same support to foster and kinship parents statewide. “I have a true passion for being a foster parent,” says Lang, whose family consists of three biological children, two adopted children, and two children who are part of their family through guardianship, ranging in age from 7 to 31. “I want to try and make the foster care experience as smooth and painless as possible for the families and the children in Maryland.”
Lang and her husband became foster parents when the youngest of her biological daughters was a junior in high school. While they originally thought they would foster infants or toddlers, their first placement was a sibling set of three, ages 8, 9, and 12, one of whom they later adopted.
One of Lang’s favorite quotes is “It takes a village to raise a child.” “I believe we, as foster parents, are that village,” she says. “Being there for the children and their families is what makes foster parenting so fulfilling.”
Before becoming a foster parent, Lang was social media manager for the company Recorded Books. She also works as an adoptive parent mentor and runs a support group for Adoptions Together, a local adoption organization. In addition, Lang and her husband are active volunteers for the Special Olympics of Calvert County, where they have coached 5 sports and raised over $40,000.
Lang will be only the second executive director at MRPA, taking over the role from Arnie Eby, who turned what had been a volunteer role into a paid position in 2019 to reflect the larger role MRPA has played. Eby is now executive director of the National Foster Parent Association.
MPRA represents public foster and kinship parents throughout Maryland. Its executive director and board members work with the state government and other groups to represent the views of foster and kinship parents. The organization supports county-based foster parent groups, as well as individual foster parents through support and training.
What is the MRPA?
Enjoy this replay of our April, 2024 session outlining the mission and purpose of the Maryland Resource Parent Association.
Subscribe or Update Your Information
MD Students Attending In-School Instruction No longer Eligible for Pandemic EBT Benefits
Click here to read more!
The MRPA does not have formal membership.
There are no fees of any kind to enjoy our resources. They are freely available to all Resource Parents! You are welcome to attend our Zoom sessions and to utilize anything you find on our website. We’re glad you found us and look forward to assisting in your journey as a Resource Parent.
So…. how do you get involved? There are many options!
Blog Notifications
Sign up to receive our Blog posts and notifications by email HERE.
First Tuesday
Attend a First Tuesday session. Schedules are right below!
Download Library
Review docs we’ve made available to our audience to find resources you need.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us by email, we’d be happy to assist.
Keeping Resource Parents In the Know
MRPA Community News
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Tracy and Karl Jentzsch, Cecil County
Tracy and Karl Jentzsch have shown diligence as they strive to fulfill the needs of the youth in their care, making the couple excellent nominees as the Cecil County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. We thank them both for their commitment and selflessness
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: George and Ernestine Barksdale, Prince George’s County
Congrats to the Prince George’s County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year, George and Ernestine Barksdale. The Barksdale family has opened their hearts and home to youth for 10 years. As advocates for youth, they have proven to be a great asset to our agency. * Image...
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Tina and Bryan Broadwater, Garrett County
Tina and Bryan Broadwater truly exemplify the essence of a dedicated resource parent. Their steadfast devotion to youth in their care is honorable. We are happy to announce them as the Garrett County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Rick and Ashley Candy, Carroll County
With no hesitation, Rick and Ashley Candy have provided a safe and stable home for multiple youth in care. Their nurturing spirit brings comfort to those in need. It is an honor to acknowledge the Candy family as the Carroll County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Ryan and Sarah McKelvey, Somerset County
Hooray to Ryan and Sarah McKelvey for their nomination as the Somerset County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. The McKelvey family provides a warm and accepting family environment for youth in their care. Thank you both for your important contributions.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Shannon Leffler, Queen Anne’s County
Shannon Leffler has devoted her love and attention to older youth in her care. Her faithful service makes her more than qualified to be the Queen Anne’s County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. Thank you Shannon for all that you do
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: The Wilkerson Family, Baltimore City
Caring for over 20 foster youth, the Wilkerson family is truly committed to the well-being of children in their care. It is our privilege to announce them as the Baltimore City 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. We cannot thank them enough.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Katie & Tom Johnson, Kent County
Congrats to Katie & Tom Johnson on their nomination as the Kent County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. We applaud the Johnson family for their continued love, consistency, and sacrifice when providing for youth in care. Thank you.
The MRPA Mission
Our Mission is to provide support service to all Resource Families in the state of Maryland. Membership in the Association shall be open to all Resource Parents.
MRPA supports foster, adoptive, kinship and guardianship parents all across the state of Maryland.
Whether you are a current resource parent, a prospective resource parent, or a child welfare professional, MRPA is there to support you.
We realize it takes all of us working together to give children in need a stable, loving family.
